Access Canberra investigate mysterious noises, building defects at Harrison apartments

It was the first property he had ever owned. But it wasn't long after that he noticed strange ticking noises that seemed to be coming from the walls of his unit in the Symphony Park complex, which was completed in 2015.

More than two years later the issue has not been resolved, and he says it has taken a huge toll on his mental health and the wellbeing of his family.

"It has been a nightmare," he said.

"Me and my family just want the right to live in a quiet home.

"We have been kicked like a soccer ball from one end of the field to another for a long time."

In an email seen by The Canberra Times, an Access Canberra investigator has confirmed the government is now investigating the noises and other potential defects in the complex.

Development builders PBS Building were recently handed an intent to issue a defect notice by the ACT government in relation to a waterproofing issue on Mr Us Saqib's neighbour's balcony, which causes water to freely flow into his courtyard.

An Access Canberra investigator noted the builder may not have completed the required works outlined in a 2020 consulting report, which recommended a complete refurbishment of the balcony be completed.

A previous expert report had found there were consistent issues with the waterproofing membranes on other balconies across the complex.

The builder says it is preparing a response to the notice and is working to rectify the issue.

Won Ki Yang bought an off the plan apartment in the complex in 2016 and started hearing "rattling" sounds in the wall in 2019.

He said the noises kept his young family awake at night and have become worse in the past two years.

There were also several cracks in the bedroom wall which Mr Yang raised with PBS Building.

He said they initially replaced the plaster but when cracks started to reappear last year and he contacted the builder, they didn't return to inspect the issue and haven't been in contact since April.

Mr Yang has also made a complaint to Independent Strata Management about the noise and cracks.

An acoustic report in Mr Us Saqib's building prepared for the strata company recorded the sounds in Mr Us Saqib's building.

It recommended further investigation during a different season to establish if the ticking and clicking noises were different during changing weather.

It said the worst case ticking noises, recorded during the night, would very likely be disturbing to the resident.

PBS Building chief operating officer Matthew Rayment said the quality of all the company's buildings was its primary concern.

"As per the terms of the notice, we are reviewing its content and we are preparing a response now that will include the steps we propose to take to rectify the issue," he said.

"There have been other defects raised from time to time and PBS continues to work with the Body Corporate to resolve any statutory warranty issues and also provide advice on preventative maintenance requirements.

"The quality and integrity of all PBS projects is of the utmost importance and underpins our reputation as one of the ACT's leading builders over the past three decades.

"Our warranty policy is designed to maximise customer confidence and is one of the reasons people continue to do business with us. We stand by this warranty and will unhesitatingly respond to the issue outlined in the ACT government notice."

Independent Strata Management declined a request to comment.

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